The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1887-07-23
editorial Brtets.
BY REV. I. N. ATWOOD, D. D.
Canton, N. Y.

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our jury system, our marriage customs
and laws, our tenure and distribution of
property, and our various ecclesiastical
politics. It is replied, and with truth,
that everything human is imperfect; that
il we went back to monarchy or forward
to anarchy, il we abolished trial by jury
and the family and property and the
church, things would still go wrong and
the millennium be as far off. to say the least.
as it is now. We cannot by any mechan-
ical changes we may effect extemporize
Utopia. The seat of our disorders is
deeper than the form of our institutions.
1t is in half-developed, half educated
haIf-regenerated human society.
But this fact should not lead us to
oppose and disparage all efforts toward
reform and improvement. The govern
ment can be improved, both in theory
and in administration. Trial by jury is
capable of betterment. The family can
be instituted and administered more in
conformity with its ideal. The rights of
property may be better understood, de-
fined and guarded. And the church ad-
mits of the infusion of broader and
loftier spirit, while in some branches it's
form might be proftably enriched and
in others brought down to a more ration
al simplicity. Yes, we must not expect
perfection; but we must never cease to
desire it and to strive after it.
Fools have their use, also. One use
OF fools is to make folly palpable and re-
voting. This is great service they per-
form for mankind. Men OF ability and
genius disguise folly, render it respecta-
BILE and even fascinating. But when
genuine idiot becomes enamored of folly
and talks and writes about it, all the
world sees that he is luxuriating in his
native element. Foolishness becomes
him SO, that while we note and admire
the eternal fitness of things, we do not
fail to mark the exact quality of his ideas
and conduct. Gratitude for fools may
seem superfuous incense; but we de-
rive great relief in hot weather from the
reflection that the authors of the most
absurd books are sort of public bene-
factors.
The death OF Rev. Nelson Smell
awakens precious and tender memories.
In the days when we were halting be-
tween the choice of the ministry and an
other profession we were unset
tied and uncertain, Mr.. Smell took g.
deep and wholly benevolent interest in
our fortunes, and contributed much. per-
sonally and by the loan OF books, to make
the way plain. We have always felt
under peculiar obligations to him for the
service he did for us in that critical Pc
riod. Whether our coming into the Uni
versalist ministry was OF any moment or
benefit to others, it has been a source of
profound satisfaction to ourselves. For all
the Joy we have had in this high calling,
we give large measure of credit and
gratitude to Nelson Smell.
Whatever some persons may think
to-day, it will not be many years before
the action OF the President which has
called down on him the wrath of some
members of the Grand Army organiza-
ton, will be regarded by all classes as
wise and patriotic. He simply did his
duty, against strong temptation to do
something for himself. AS chief magis-
trate he deserves no special credit for
doing his duty; but he certainly does not
merit censure. Some of the Comrades
have not learned when discretion is the
better part Of valor.
The recent fraternal and enthusiastic,
meeting of the "Blue and Gray" on the
battlefield Of Gettysburg, recalls the
prophetic speech OF President Lincoln
at the dedication of the soldiers ceme-
terry. Twenty-three years have proved
that the short and memorable address
spoken by Abraham Lincoln on that oc-
casion, was genuine inspiration. The
new birth Of freedom has come to the ma
tion. The result which was SO continu-
ally upon his heart and of which he seems
to have had revelation in his second in
augural, ls fully cOnsummRted. The
mystic chords have been touched, The
Union is restored.
wi oAPohooiono nuu hSSOClhblOnS
that have resorted to the introduction of
Italians. Hungarians and Poles, as q
means OF getting coarser labor done
cheaply, are not altogether public bene.
factors. For time these laborers arr
docile and industrious, content with the
smaller wages which are yet large to
them. But they soon learn, not only the
value OF dollar, but of the free field
open to all comers in this country. They
learn to combine, as other workmen do:
but they do not readily adopt the Ameri-
can method of bringing influence To bear.
They attempt by brute force, by terror.
and by the prompt and reckless use of
deadly weapons, to settle all disputes.
public or personal.
We have in this country SO many
dangerous elements, imported from the
Old World, that it would be good thing
if an association could be formed to pro-
mote the immigration of better grade
of foreigners. There are many classes In
almost every country of Europe who
could benefit us. They could do things
we need to have done. They could in
struct us in certain mechanic arts. They
could teach us valuable lessons in SIM
plicity and economy, and they could at
the same time diversity and develop our
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